CarlosGonzalez (5) of the Colorado Rockies runs for third base on July 21, 2014 against the Washington Nationals at Coors Field.

Carlos Gonzalez, making an appearance at a Nuggets game Friday night at the Pepsi Center, faced physical and emotional challenges last season, when his statistics took a tumble, as he hit .238 with 11 home runs in 70 games.

After an offseason filled with physical rehabilitation and swirling trade rumors, Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez are itching to play baseball again — and prove they’re still among the best players in the game.

But when the Rockies’ two brightest stars report next month for spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz., they’ll be powered by different emotions. CarGo, his personal life peaceful at last, wants to regain his joyful approach to the game. Tulo, intense as ever at age 30, wants his play to speak volumes to the naysayers.

“As far as finding that chip — something that makes me go, which isn’t that hard for me — that was very easy,” Tulowitzki said Saturday during the Rockies’ annual FanFest. “I have heard everything. I have heard that I am injury prone, and I’ve heard that I’m getting older.

“I like it. That stuff fuels me. It makes my workouts better, and it makes me want it that much more. I definitely have that chip on my shoulder.”

Gonzalez, 29, admits that a trying 2014 season knocked the fun out of him, but now that he’s healthy and his family is healthy, his passion is back.

“I play baseball the same way I used to as a little kid,” the outfielder said. “I just go out there and enjoy. I love the game. But of course life will always give you a challenge, and that’s what I was going through last year. A lot of adversity and a lot of challenge. I’m really happy that it is finally over and in the past.”

Gonzalez’s wife, Indonesia, endured a difficult pregnancy before the births of twin daughters Carlota and Genova on June 13. The girls spent weeks in a hospital gaining strength before coming home.

“My family was at risk … so it’s really hard to concentrate when you come to the ballpark,” he said.

Both Gonzalez and Tulowitzki have begun limited baseball activities. Tulowitzki, coming back from labrum surgery on his left hip, is taking full batting practice in the cage and is fielding groundballs. Gonzalez, returning from left knee surgery, has been cleared for batting practice and some straight-ahead sprinting. Both are expected to be fully recovered by opening day.

Tulowitzki, an all-star shortstop, was having an MVP-type season — hitting .340 with 21 home runs — but played in just 91 games before being shut down.

CarGo played in just 70 games, hitting .238 with a .292 on-base percentage and 11 home runs, far below his career numbers. He missed 35 games because of a giant-cell tumor in his left index finger. From opening day on, Gonzalez battled an aching left knee, a condition that required surgery Aug. 19. Doctors cut out a torn part of Gonzalez’s patella tendon.

“CarGo looks great and he feels really good,” manager Walt Weiss said. “We expect him to play at the highest level again this season.”

For now, trade rumors regarding Tulowitzki and Gonzalez have died down.

“As long as I have the opportunity to play here, I’m going to do my best to make this team better,” Gonzalez said. “I signed a seven-year deal back in 2010, and I made a commitment to this club, and I want to make this club better. I haven’t got that goal yet.”

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